Medical Interventions
Mrs. Truluck
3/2/15
1.3.2 – Career Journal: Audiologist
Description
Audiologists help patients with their hearing, balance, or other ear related problems. They are experts in the structures of the ear and can help diagnose and treat hearing issues. Common duties of these workers include identifying, assessing and treating hearing problems and balance disorders, discussing symptoms with patients, documenting treatment, ordering equipment and hiring employees. They must be familiar with the latest diagnostic tools available in order to determine both the problem and the best treatment option.
National Education Requirements
To become an audiologist, a bachelor’s degree is required although there is no specific major requirement. Since 2012 audiologists are required to earn a doctoral degree (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Audiology (AuD)) to be eligible for national certification. When enrolling in a doctoral program, choosing one that is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is important. A complete doctoral degree in audiology can take as long as 5-6 years.
National Certification Requirements
To become ASHA certified a minimum of 1,820 hours of supervised clinical practice must be completed. Other requirements include graduating from an approved training program and passing the Praxis exam. Being licensed in audiology is required in all states.
South Carolina Education Requirements In South Carolina, the education requirements are the same as those on a national level.
License holders must complete 16 hours of continuing education per license period and must maintain record of hours earned for a period of 4 years.
South Carolina Certification Requirements
In South Carolina, a postgraduate degree in speech-language pathology or audiology from a school determined by the board to be equivalent to ASHA accreditation, completion of 9 months of full-time professional employment, and passage of an
Cited: "Audiologist Salary | Salary.com." Salary.com. Web. 20 Feb. 2015. <http://www1.salary.com/Audiologist-Salary.html>. "How to Become an Audiologist." InnerBody. Web. 20 Feb. 2015. <http://www.innerbody.com/careers-in-health/how-to-become-an-audiologist.html>. Pathologists. Web. 20 Feb. 2015. <http://www.asha.org/advocacy/state/info/SC/licensure/>. "Summary." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Web. 20 Feb. 2015. <http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/audiologists.htm#tab-2>.